South Africa brings together dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cities in one diverse destination. You can move from safari plains to ocean drives and world-class urban culture on a single trip.
Discover South Africa
Discover South Africa
Why visit South Africa?
What to expect
Experience the urban energy of Johannesburg and the coastal charm of Cape Town, framed by mountains, vineyards, and national parks. Expect a mix of contemporary African style, layered history, and warm hospitality wherever you travel.
Plan your trip
Use Johannesburg as a gateway to safari regions and neighbouring countries, and Cape Town as your base for the Winelands and the Garden Route. Combine both cities to experience South Africa as a launching point for a wider African journey.
Top experiences in South Africa
Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula
Ride the cableway or hike up Table Mountain for sweeping views, then follow the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point and Boulders Beach to meet its famous colony of African penguins.
Safari adventures from Johannesburg
Use Johannesburg as your springboard to private reserves and national parks, where you can join guided game drives to look for lions, elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Johannesburg art, history, and neighbourhoods
Explore museums and galleries, then wander creative districts filled with studios, design spaces, and street art that tell the story of South Africa past and present.
Winelands and scenic drives
Set out from Cape Town into the nearby Winelands for cellar-door tastings and mountain vistas, or drive the coastal roads for sweeping ocean views and charming seaside towns.
Coastal walks and beaches
Enjoy wide city beaches, sheltered coves, and coastal promenades where you can walk, cycle, or simply watch the sun sink into the Atlantic or Indian Ocean.
Experience South Africa's way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, a mix of domestic flights and self-drive routes links Johannesburg, Cape Town, and major holiday regions. Within the cities, use metered taxis, e-hailing services, and organised tours for convenient point-to-point travel.
Local life & culture
South Africa's cities blend multiple languages, music styles, and artistic traditions, shaped by both indigenous cultures and global influences. Visit museums, township tours, and performance venues to better understand the country's stories and contemporary creativity.
Where to unwind
Relax at coastal promenades, botanical gardens, and city parks with dramatic mountain backdrops. Beyond the cities, wine estates, nature reserves, and coastal retreats offer peaceful stays surrounded by open landscapes and crisp night skies.
A taste of South Africa
National dishes & specialties
Across South Africa you can try dishes such as slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, and fragrant spiced favourites, often paired with local produce and regional wines, especially around Cape Town and the Winelands.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Both Johannesburg and Cape Town offer relaxed cafés, neighbourhood eateries, and food halls where you can taste modern African cuisine alongside global flavours, with many venues focusing on seasonal ingredients.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for restaurants with mountain or ocean views in Cape Town or skyline outlooks in Johannesburg, as well as wine estate dining rooms where carefully curated menus are paired with award-winning South African wines.
Retail therapy in South Africa
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Johannesburg and Cape Town feature large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local designers, and lifestyle precincts with cinemas, eateries, and entertainment under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Discover artisan markets and craft collectives in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where you can find handmade textiles, beadwork, jewellery, and contemporary design pieces created by South African makers.
Evening retail scene
In major urban areas, shopping districts and selected markets stay lively after dark, with illuminated storefronts, live music, and dining options creating a relaxed atmosphere for evening browsing.
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa spans several climates, so conditions vary between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Winter (June to August, low season) brings cooler temperatures of around 5–17°C (41–63°F) in Johannesburg and 7–18°C (45–64°F) in Cape Town, with crisp, dry days inland and more rain in the southwest. Summer (December to February, peak season) is hot, with Johannesburg around 15–28°C (59–82°F), usually with afternoon thunderstorms, while Cape Town sits near 15–27°C (59–81°F) with dry, windy conditions. Spring and autumn (September to November, and March to May, shoulder season) offer mild temperatures of about 10–24°C (50–75°F), often combining pleasant beach weather in Cape Town with comfortable conditions for sightseeing and safaris across the country.